Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Glynis Smy, The Ripper, Colin Firth and Pooh Bear

She has a sister site where authors can advertise their books FREE! Authors - you should check it out. She tells me that she created it as a way of thanking the author community who have helped her out.

She's recently published an amazing-sounding novel, "Ripper, My Love" and you really have to read the blurb:

“Growing up in late nineteenth century East
London, Kitty Harper’s life is filled with danger and death – from her mother,
her beloved neighbour and the working women of the streets. With her
ever-watchful father and living surrogate family though, Kitty feels protected
from harm. In fact, she feels so safe that while Whitechapel cowers under the
cloud of a fearsome murderer, she strikes out on her own, moving into new
premises to accommodate her sewing business. But danger is closer than she
thinks. In truth, it has burrowed itself right into her heart in the form of a
handsome yet troubled bachelor, threatening everything she holds dear. Will
Kitty fall prey to lust – and death – herself, or can she find the strength
inside to fight for her business, sanity and her future? And who is the man
terrifying the streets of East London?”

Just in case you need any more persuading, I
asked Glynis to tell us a little more:

When you were researching your novel, "Ripper, My
Love" did you discover anything different about Jack the Ripper?

I certainly found facts I had never come across before. One of which
was that the plain clothes police dept. was formed because of the murders. Also
fingerprinting had been invented by 1888, but the police failed to make use of
it. Had they done so, then maybe ‘The Ripper’ might not be so famous today. Of
course there is the new theory that it might be a woman. I have often said I
wondered if it was a woman. After the
second murder, even the prostitutes would have been wary of strangers, only a
woman would be able to get close. She could then persuade the ‘Tom’ there was a
client waiting around the corner and offer to be an escort.

From all the books you've written, who is your favorite character and why?

This is a difficult question to answer. I love all my main
characters. They each have their own way of handling life. I think Maggie from
Maggie’s Child (novel two out in Dec.), is to be admired the way she overcomes
many dreadful events in her life. Elle Buchanan, my latest WIP main character
is such a young thing, that I feel for her, and am not sure how she is going to
develop. I have taken her back to my birth town Harwich, in the UK. She will
have to overcome the twists I throw into plot. Kitty I will always love, she
came to me first, begging to be let out into the world. Of the minor
characters, I think it has to be Sidney Orris, Elle’s friend from The Man in
Room Eighteen. He has a kind heart. (due 2013).

If you could organise a dinner party, which fictional
characters would you invite - would it be a successful
party or a disaster?

If I was cooking I would invite Pooh Bear – I can do honey. If we
were eating out, I think I would enjoy the company of Mr. Darcy in the form of
Colin Firth (gotta love that lake scene). However, I am sure it would be a
disaster as I am not meek and demure enough. The gown would drive me insane, (
I love my jeans), and I would fumble over the table settings for sure! Plus I
would probably stare at him all night and drool.

For readers who have read and liked your books - can you suggest
further reading for them?

Barbara Erskine is a favourite of mine. She writes such descriptive
pieces. She wrote; Hiding From The Light. It is based in Manningtree and
Mistley in the UK. I emigrated from there and loved how she captured the feel
of the place many years ago. I am a fan of all her books.

Here's an extract from Ripper, My Love:

‘Forget the hat, Kitty. It is you I have
come to see. I could not get you out of my mind after our walk home.’

Kitty blushed and looked at the floor. She
dared not look at him. Her upbringing was one that she was not used to male
callers. Arthur, Patrick and her father were the only ones who visited Button
and Bows. To hear a man speak in such an open manner brought about a new
sensation inside, a flutter of excitement. She knew she should not respond, but
should declare indignation at his forward manner. ‘James, you should n...’

James held up his hand.

‘Refrain from saying I should not speak my
mind. I cannot help how I feel about you. I could not get you out of my mind. I
wanted to be close to you again.’

James bent his head, despite his usual
confident manner, he appeared agitated. He turned his hat around and around by
the brim. Kitty watched the twirl of black until she felt giddy. She reached
out and put her hand over the hat to stop him.

‘I have waited, no - longed for this moment
James. I am not sure how I should behave. I am not at all certain as to what I
should do in this situation. We need to talk.’

It was Kitty's turn to look down at the
floor. She fiddled with the corner of her apron.

From Maggie’s Child ...

‘Yes, ma’am. I will see she speaks with you
before returning home. A sad affair. Dukes said she looked dead on the floor
when he arrived. Quite a shock for him, from what I gather.’

‘A shock for us all. A shock for us all.’

Maggie could hear the swishing sounds move
out of the room. Alice sighed. A heavy sigh of someone with a great burden to
carry. The smell of lamp oil and lavender wafted around the bed. Night time had
come and she was lighting the lamps.

Maggie strained her ears. She could no longer
hear the baby noises that called out to her earlier. She settled back into the
soft mattress. Crisp linen smelled fresh and inviting, and she gave into the
comfort of her surroundings. It was hard to fight to stay awake. Heavy limbs,
an aching head and her abdomen reminded her of the attention her husband had
bestowed on her a few hours previous.

Names entered her mind. People who had
touched her life. Those who had destroyed it, and those who had given it to
her. Only two of those names had ever received love from Maggie. In the fog of
mid-sleep, Maggie remembered.

Autumn 1855; the first
loving kiss touched her lips. New Year 1856; the first time she learned the
intimate love of a strong man could bring a woman alive, and yet destroy her
soul at the same time. Maggie recalled the smells and sounds of that night.

Your personal statement for a graduate school or professional school application will play a determining role in whether or not you are offered admission. Here's 10 common mistakes applicants make that mess up their personal statement.my blog